COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING HFC-1234YF AND HFC-32

Description

CROSS REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/658,543, filed March 4, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/710,439, filed August 23, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/732,769, filed November 1, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

[0002] The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition consists of a fluoroolefin and another component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents. 2. Description of Related Art.

[0003] The refrigeration industry has been working for the past few decades to find replacement refrigerants for the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. The solution for most refrigerant producers has been the commercialization of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The new HFC refrigerants, HFC-134a being the most widely used at this time, have zero ozone depletion potential and thus are not affected by the current regulatory phase out as a result of the Montreal Protocol.

[0004] Further environmental regulations may ultimately cause global phase out of certain HFC refrigerants. Currently, the automobile industry is facing regulations relating to global warming potential for refrigerants used in mobile air-conditioning. Therefore, there is a great current need to identify new refrigerants with reduced global warming potential for the mobile air-conditioning market. Should the regulations be more broadly applied in the future, an even greater need will be felt for refrigerants that can be used in all areas of the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

[0005] Currently proposed replacement refrigerants for HFC-134a include HFC-152a, pure hydrocarbons such as butane or propane, or "natural" refrigerants such as CO₂. Many of these suggested replacements are toxic, flammable, and/or have low energy efficiency. Therefore, new alternative refrigerants are being sought.

[0006] JP 4 110388 A discloses heat transfer fluids comprising an organic compound based on propene substituted by 1-5 fluorine atoms. These compounds can be mixed with hydrofluorocarbons.

[0007] US 2004/089839 A1 describes fluorinated alkene refrigerant compositions comprising HFC-1234yf.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide novel refrigerant compositions and heat transfer fluid compositions that provide unique characteristics to meet the demands of low or zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential as compared to current refrigerants.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a composition consisiting of 1 to 57 weight percent HFC-1234yf and 99 to 43 weight percent HFC-32.

[0010] The present invention further relates to a composition as defined in claims 2 to 5.

[0011] The present invention further relates to a method for replacing a high GWP refrigerant in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said high GWP refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of R134a, R22, R123, R11, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R12, R410A, R407C, R417A, R422A, R507A, R502, and R404A, said method comprising providing a composition as defined above to said refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus that uses, used or designed to use said high GWP refrigerant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to compositions consisting of 1 to 57 weight percent HFC-1234yf and 99 to 43 weight percent HFC-32.

[0013] Fluoroolefin compounds and other compounds are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Compound	Chemical name	Chemical formula
HFC-1225ye	1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene	CF3CF=CHF
HFC-1234ze	1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene	CF3CH=CHF
HFC-1234yf	2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene	CF3CF=CH2
HFC-1234ye	1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene	CHF2CF=CHF
HFC-1243zf	3,3,3-trifluoropropene	CF3CH=CH2
HFC-32	difluoromethane	CH2F2
HFC-125	pentafluoroethane	CF3CHF2
HFC-134	1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane	CHF2CHF2
HFC-134a	1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane	CH2FCF3
HFC-143a	1,1,1-trifluoroethane	CH3CF3
HFC-152a	1,1-difluoroethane	CHF2CH3
HFC-161	fluoroethane	CH3CH2F
HFC-227ea	1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane	CF3CHFCF3
HFC-236ea	1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane	CF3CHFCHF2
HFC-236fa	1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroethane	CF3CH2CF3
HFC-245fa	1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane	CF3CH2CHF2
HFC-365mfc	1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane	CF3CH2CH2CHF2
	propane	CH3CH2CH3
	n-butane	CH3CH2CH2CH3
i-butane	isobutane	CH3CH(CH3)CH3
	2-methylbutane	CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH3
	n-pentane	CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3
	cyclopentane	cyclo-(CH2)5-
DME	dimethylether	CH3OCH3
CO2	carbon dioxide	CO2
CF3SCF3	bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfide	CF3SCF3
	iodotrifluoromethane	CF3I

[0014] The individual components listed in Table 1 may be prepared by methods known in the art.

[0015] The compositions of the present invention are as defined in claims 1 to 5.

[0016] The compositions of the present invention may be azeotropic or near-azeotropic compositions. By azeotropic composition is meant a constant-boiling mixture of two or more substances that behave as a single substance. One way to characterize an azeotropic composition is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has the same composition as the liquid from which It is evaporated or distilled, i.e., the mixture distills/refluxes without compositional change. Constant-boiling compositions are characterized as azeotropic because they exhibit either a maximum or minimum boiling point, as compared with that of the non-azeotropic mixture of the same compounds. An azeotropic composition will not fractionate within a refrigeration or air conditioning system during operation, which may reduce efficiency of the system. Additionally, an azeotropic composition will not fractionate upon leakage from a refrigeration or air conditioning system. In the situation where one component of a mixture is flammable, fractionation during leakage could lead to a flammable composition either within the system or outside of the system.

[0017] A near-azeotropic composition (also commonly referred to as an "azeotrope-like composition") is a substantially constant boiling liquid admixture of two or more substances that behaves essentially as a single substance. One way to characterize a near-azeotropic composition Is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has substantially the same composition as the liquid from which it was evaporated or distilled, that is, the admixture distills/refluxes without substantial composition change. Another way to characterize a near-azeotropic composition is that the bubble point vapor pressure and the dew point vapor pressure of the composition at a particular temperature are substantially the same. Herein, a composition Is near-azeotropic If, after 50 weight percent of the composition is removed, such as by evaporation or boiling off, the difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent of the original composition has been removed is less than about 10 percent.

[0018] An azeotropic composition of the present invention at a specified temperature is shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3

Component A	Component B	Wt% A	Wt% B	Psia	kPa	T(C)
HFC-1234yf	HFC-32	7.4	92.6	49.2	339	-25

[0019] The near-azeotropic compositions of the present invention at a specified temperature are listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5

Component A	Component B	(wt% A/wt% B)	T(C)
HFC-1234yf	HFC-32	1-57/99-43	-25

[0020] Ternary and higher order near-azeotrope compositions (not according to the invention) comprising fluoroolefin have also been identified as listed in Table 6.

TABLE 6

Components	Near-azeotrope range (weight percent)	Temp (°C)
HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/isobutane	1-40/59-9811-30	-25

[0021] A non-azeotropic composition may have certain advantages over azetropic or near azeotropic mixtures. A non-azeotropic composition is a mixture of two or more substances that behaves as a mixture rather than a single substance. One way to characterize a non-azeotropic composition is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has a substantially different composition as the liquid from which it was evaporated or distilled, that is, the admixture distills/refluxes with substantial composition change. Another way to characterize a non-azeotropic composition is that the bubble point vapor pressure and the dew point vapor pressure of the composition at a particular temperature are substantially different. Herein, a composition is non-azeotropic if, after 50 weight percent of the composition is removed, such as by evaporation or boiling off, the difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent of the original composition has been removed is greater than about 10 percent.

[0022] The compositions of the present invention may be prepared by any convenient method to combine the desired amounts of the individual components. A preferred method is to weigh the desired component amounts and thereafter combine the components in an appropriate vessel. Agitation may be used, if desired.

[0023] An alternative means for making compositions of the present invention may be a method for making a refrigerant blend composition, wherein said refrigerant blend composition comprises a composition as disclosed herein, said method comprising (i) reclaiming a volume of one or more components of a refrigerant composition from at least one refrigerant container, (ii) removing impurities sufficiently to enable reuse of said one or more of the reclaimed components, (iii) and optionally, combining all or part of said reclaimed volume of components with at least one additional refrigerant composition or component.

[0024] A refrigerant container may be any container in which is stored a refrigerant blend composition that has been used in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus. Said refrigerant container may be the refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus in which the refrigerant blend was used. Additionally, the refrigerant container may be a storage container for collecting reclaimed refrigerant blend components. including but not limited to pressurized gas cylinders.

[0025] Residual refrigerant means any amount of refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component that may be moved out of the refrigerant container by any method known for transferring refrigerant blends or refrigerant blend components.

[0026] Impurities may be any component that is in the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component due to its use in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus. Such impurities include but are not limited to refrigeration lubricants, being those described earlier herein, particulates including but not limited to metal, metal salt or elastomer particles, that may have come out of the refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus, and any other contaminants that may adversely effect the performance of the refrigerant blend composition.

[0027] Such impurities may be removed sufficiently to allow reuse of the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component without adversely affecting the performance or equipment within which the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component will be used.

[0028] It may be necessary to provide additional refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component to the residual refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component in order to produce a composition that meets the specifications required for a given product. For instance, it may be necessary to add one or more of the components in a given amount in order to restore the composition to within the specification limits.

[0029] Compositions of the present invention have zero or low ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential (GWP). Additionally, the compositions of the present invention will have global warming potentials that are less than many hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants currently in use. One aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant with a global warming potential of less than 1000, less than 500, less than 150, less than 100, or less than 50. Another aspect of the present invention is to reduce the net GWP of refrigerant mixtures by adding fluoroolefins to said mixtures.

[0030] The compositions of the present invention may be useful as low global warming potential (GWP) replacements for currently used refrigerants, including but not limited to R134a (or HFC-134a, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), R22 (or HCFC-22, chlorodifluoromethane), R123 (or HFC-123, 2,2-dlchloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), R11 (CFC-11, fluorotrichloromethane), R12 (CFC-12, dichlorodifluoromethane), R245fa (or HFC-245fa, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane), R114 (or CFC-114, 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane), R236fa (or HFC-236fa, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane), R124 (or HCFC-124, 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), R407C (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 52 weight percent R134a, 25 weight percent R125 (pentafluoroethane), and 23 weight percent R32 (difluoromethane), R410A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 50 weight percent R125 and 50 weight percent R32), R417A, (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 46.6 weight percent R125, 50.0 weight percent R134a, and 3.4 weight percent n-butane), R422A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 85.1 weight percent R125, 11.5 weight percent R134a, and 3.4 weight percent isobutane), R404A, (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 44 weight percent R125, 52 weight percent R143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane), and 4.0 weight percent R134a) and R507A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 50 weight percent R125 and 50 weight percent R143a). Additionally, the compositions of the present invention may be useful as replacements for R12 (CFC-12, dichlorodifluoromethane) or R502 (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 51.2 weight percent CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane) and 48.8 weight percent HCFC-22).

[0031] Often replacement refrigerants are most useful if capable of being used in the original refrigeration equipment designed for a different refrigerant. The compositions of the present invention may be useful as replacements for the above-mentioned refrigerants in original equipment. Additionally, the compositions of the present invention may be useful as replacements for the above mentioned refrigerants in equipment designed to use the above-mentioned refrigerants.

[0032] The present invention further relates to a method for replacing a high GWP refrigerant in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said high GWP refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of R134a, R22, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R410A, R407C, R417A, R422A, R507A, and R404A, said method comprising providing a composition of the present invention to said refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus that uses, used or is designed to use said high GWP refrigerant.

[0033] Vapor-compression refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump systems include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device. A vapor-compression cycle re-uses refrigerant in multiple steps producing a cooling effect in one step and a heating effect in a different step. The cycle can be described simply as follows. Liquid refrigerant enters an evaporator through an expansion device, and the liquid refrigerant boils in the evaporator at a low temperature to form a gas and produce cooling. The low-pressure gas enters a compressor where the gas is compressed to raise its pressure and temperature. The higher-pressure (compressed) gaseous refrigerant then enters the condenser in which the refrigerant condenses and discharges its heat to the environment. The refrigerant returns to the expansion device through which the liquid expands from the higher-pressure level in the condenser to the low-pressure level in the evaporator, thus repeating the cycle.

[0034] As used herein, mobile refrigeration apparatus or mobile air-conditioning apparatus refers to any refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus incorporated into a transportation unit for the road, rail, sea or air. In addition, apparatus, which are meant to provide refrigeration or air-conditioning for a system independent of any moving carrier, known as "intermodal" systems, are included in the present invention. Such intermodal systems include "containers" (combined sea/land transport) as well as "swap bodies" (combined road and rail transport). The present invention is particularly useful for road transport refrigerating or air-conditioning apparatus, such as automobile air-conditioning apparatus or refrigerated road transport equipment.

[0035] The present invention further relates to a process for producing cooling comprising evaporating the compositions of the present invention in the vicinity of a body to be cooled, and thereafter condensing said compositions.

[0036] The present invention further relates to a process for producing heat comprising condensing the compositions of the present invention in the vicinity of a body to be heated, and thereafter evaporating said compositions.

[0037] The present invention further relates to a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus containing a composition of the present invention.

[0038] Further described herein is a mobile air-conditioning apparatus containing a composition of the present invention.

[0039] Further described herein is a method for early detection of a refrigerant leak in a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus said method comprising using a non-azeotropic composition in said apparatus, and monitoring for a reduction in cooling performance. The non-azeotropic compositions will fractionate upon leakage from a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus and the lower boiling (higher vapor pressure) component will leak out of the apparatus first. When this occurs, if the lower boiling component in that composition provides the majority of the refrigeration capacity, there will be a marked reduction in the capacity and thus performance of the apparatus. In an automobile air-conditioning system, as an example, the passengers in the automobile will detect a reduction in the cooling capability of the system. This reduction in cooling capability can be interpreted to mean that refrigerant is being leaked and that the system requires repair.

[0040] Further described herein is a method of using the compositions of the present invention as a heat transfer fluid composition, said process comprising transporting said composition from a heat source to a heat sink.

[0041] Heat transfer fluids are utilized to transfer, move or remove heat from one space, location, object or body to a different space, location, object or body by radiation, conduction, or convection. A heat transfer fluid may function as a secondary coolant by providing means of transfer for cooling (or heating) from a remote refrigeration (or heating) system. In some systems, the heat transfer fluid may remain in a constant state throughout the transfer process (i.e., not evaporate or condense). Alternatively, evaporative cooling processes may utilize heat transfer fluids as well.

[0042] A heat source may be defined as any space, location, object or body from which it is desirable to transfer, move or remove heat. Examples of heat sources may be spaces (open or enclosed) requiring refrigeration or cooling, such as refrigerator or freezer cases in a supermarket, building spaces requiring air-conditioning, or the passenger compartment of an automobile requiring air-conditioning. A heat sink may be defined as any space, location, object or body capable of absorbing heat. A vapor compression refrigeration system is one example of such a heat sink.

[0043] Further described herein are blowing agent compositions comprising the fluoroolefin-containing compositions as described herein for use in preparing foams. Foamable compositions, and preferably polyurethane and polyisocyanate foam compositions, and methods of preparing foams are described. One or more of the present fluoroolefin-containing compositions are included as a blowing agent in foamable compositions, which composition preferably includes one or more additional components capable of reacting and foaming under the proper conditions to form a foam or cellular structure. Any of the methods well known in the art, such as those described in "Polyurethanes Chemistry and Technology," Volumes I and II, Saunders and Frisch, 1962, John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y., may be used or adapted for use.

[0044] Further described herein is a method of forming a foam comprising: (a) adding to a foamable composition a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present invention; and (b) reacting the foamable composition under conditions effective to form a foam.

[0045] Further described herein is the use of the fluoroolefin-containing compositions as described herein for use as propellants in sprayable compositions. Additionally described is a sprayable composition comprising the fluoroolefin-containing compositions as described herein. The active ingredient to be sprayed together with inert ingredients, solvents and other materials may also be present in a sprayable composition. Preferably, the sprayable composition is an aerosol. Suitable active materials to be sprayed include, without limitations, cosmetic materials, such as deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays, cleaners, and polishing agents as well as medicinal materials such as antiasthma and anti-halitosis medications.

[0046] Further described herein is a process for producing aerosol products comprising the step of adding a fluoroolefin-containing composition as described herein to active ingredients in an aerosol container, wherein said composition functions as a propellant.

[0047] Further described herein are methods of suppressing a flame, said methods comprising contacting a flame with a fluid comprising a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure. Any suitable methods for contacting the flame with the present composition may be used. For example, a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure may be sprayed, poured, and the like onto the flame, or at least a portion of the flame may be immersed in the flame suppression composition. In light of the teachings herein, those of skill in the art will be readily able to adapt a variety of conventional apparatus and methods of flame suppression for use in the present disclosure.

[0048] Further described herein are methods of extinguishing or suppressing a fire in a total-flood application comprising providing an agent comprising a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure; disposing the agent in a pressurized discharge system; and discharging the agent into an area to extinguish or suppress fires in that area. Another embodiment provides methods of inerting an area to prevent a fire or explosion comprising providing an agent comprising a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure; disposing the agent in a pressurized discharge system; and discharging the agent into the area to prevent a fire or explosion from occurring.

[0049] The term "extinguishment" is usually used to denote complete elimination of a fire; whereas, "suppression" is often used to denote reduction, but not necessarily total elimination, of a fire or explosion. As used herein, terms "extinguishment" and "suppression" will be used interchangeably. There are four general types of halocarbon fire and explosion protection applications. (1) In total-flood fire extinguishment and/or suppression applications, the agent is discharged into a space to achieve a concentration sufficient to extinguish or suppress an existing fire. Total flooding use includes protection of enclosed, potentially occupied spaces such, as computer rooms as well as specialized, often unoccupied spaces such as aircraft engine nacelles and engine compartments in vehicles. (2) In streaming applications, the agent is applied directly onto a fire or into the region of a fire. This is usually accomplished using manually operated wheeled or portable units. A second method, included as a streaming application, uses a "localized" system, which discharges agent toward a fire from one or more fixed nozzles. Localized systems may be activated either manually or automatically. (3) In explosion suppression, a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure is discharged to suppress an explosion that has already been initiated. The term "suppression" is normally used in this application because the explosion is usually self-limiting. However, the use of this term does not necessarily imply that the explosion is not extinguished by the agent. In this application, a detector is usually used to detect an expanding fireball from an explosion, and the agent is discharged rapidly to suppress the explosion. Explosion suppression is used primarily, but not solely, in defense applications. (4) In inertion, a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure is discharged into a space to prevent an explosion or a fire from being initiated. Often, a system similar or identical to that used for total-flood fire extinguishment or suppression is used. Usually, the presence of a dangerous condition (for example, dangerous concentrations of flammable or explosive gases) is detected, and the fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure is then discharged to prevent the explosion or fire from occurring until the condition can be remedied.

[0050] The extinguishing method can be carried out by introducing the composition into an enclosed area surrounding a fire. Any of the known methods of introduction can be utilized provided that appropriate quantities of the composition are metered into the enclosed area at appropriate intervals. For example, a composition can be introduced by streaming, e.g., using conventional portable (or fixed) fire extinguishing equipment; by misting; or by flooding, e.g., by releasing (using appropriate piping, valves, and controls) the composition into an enclosed area surrounding a fire. The composition can optionally be combined with an inert propellant, e.g., nitrogen, argon, decomposition products of glycidyl azide polymers or carbon dioxide, to increase the rate of discharge of the composition from the streaming or flooding equipment utilized.

[0051] Preferably, the extinguishing process involves introducing a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure to a fire or flame in an amount sufficient to extinguish the fire or flame. One skilled in this field will recognize that the amount of flame suppressant needed to extinguish a particular fire will depend upon the nature and extent of the hazard. When the flame suppressant is to be introduced by flooding, cup burner test data is useful in determining the amount or concentration of flame suppressant required to extinguish a particular type and size of fire.

[0052] Laboratory tests useful for determining effective concentration ranges of fluoroolefin-containing compositions when used in conjunction with extinguishing or suppressing a fire in a total-flood application or fire inertion are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,759,430.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1

Impact of vapor leakage

[0053] A vessel is charged with an initial composition at a temperature of either -25 °C or if specified, at 25 °C, and the initial vapor pressure of the composition is measured. The composition is allowed to leak from the vessel, while the temperature is held constant, until 50 weight percent of the initial composition is removed, at which time the vapor pressure of the composition remaining in the vessel is measured. Results are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9

Composition wt%	Initial P (Psia)	Initial P (kPa)	After 50% Leak (Psia)	After 50% Leak (kPa)	Delta P (%)
HFC-1234yf/HFC-32
7.4/92.6	49.2	339	49.2	339	0.0%
1/99	49.2	339	49.2	339	0.0%
20/80	49.0	338	48.8	337	0.3%
40/60	47.5	327	47.0	324	1.0%
57/43	44.9	309	40.5	280	9.6%
58/42	44.6	308	40.1	276	10.2%

[0054] The difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent is removed is less then about 10 percent for compositions of the present invention. This indicates that the compositions of the present invention would be azeotropic or near-azeotropic.

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2

Refrigeration Performance Data

[0055] Table 10 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions as compared to R404A and R422A. In Table 10, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, EER is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature	-17.8°C
Condenser temperature	46.1°C
Subcool temperature	5.5°C
Return gas temperature	15.6°C
Compressor efficiency is	70%

Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity calculations.

TABLE 10

Existing Refrigerant Product		Evap Press (kPa))	Cond P Press (kPa)	Compr Disch T (C)	CAP (kJ/m3)	EER
R22		267	1774	144	1697	4.99
R404A		330	2103	101.1	1769	4.64
R507A		342	2151	100.3	1801	4.61
R422A		324	2124	95.0	1699	4.54
Candidate Replacement	wt%
HFC-32/CF3I/HFC-1234yf	50/20/30	378	2447	143	2238	4.73
HFC-32/CF3I/HFC-1234yf	50/25/25	384	2468	145	2267	4.72

[0056] The compositions have energy efficiency (COP) comparable to R404A and R422A. Capacity for the present compositions is also similar to R404A, R507A, and R422A indicating these could be replacement refrigerants for in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Claims

1. A composition consisting of 1 to 57 weight percent HFC-1234yf and 99 to 43 weight percent HFC-32.

2. The composition of claim 1, which is a near-azeotropic composition at -25°C.

3. The composition of claim 1, consisting of 7.4 to 57 weight percent HFC-1234yf and 92.6 to 43 weight percent HFC-32.

4. The composition of claim 1 or 3, consisting of 7.4 weight percent HFC-1234yf and 92.6 weight percent HFC-32.

5. The composition of claim 4, which is an azeotropic composition at -25°C.

6. A method of producing cooling, the method comprising: evaporating the composition of any one of claims 1 to 5 in the vicinity of a body to be cooled and thereafter condensing the composition.

7. A method of producing heating, the method comprising: condensing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 5 in the vicinity of a body to be heated and thereafter evaporating the composition.

8. A method for replacing a high GWP refrigerant in a refrigeration, air conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, wherein the high GWP refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of R134a, R22, R123, R11, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R12, R410A, R407C, R417A, R422A, R507A, R502, and R404A, the method comprising providing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 5 to the refrigeration, air conditioning, or heat pump apparatus that uses, used or is designed to use the high GWP refrigerant.

9. A refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat-pump apparatus containing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 5.

Ansprüche

1. Zusammensetzung, bestehend aus 1 bis 57 Gewichtsprozent HFC-1234yf und 99 bis 43 Gewichtsprozent HFC-32.

2. Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1, die bei -25 °C eine fast azeotrope Zusammensetzung ist.

3. Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1, bestehend aus 7,4 bis 57 Gewichtsprozent HFC-1234yf und 92,6 bis 43 Gewichtsprozent HFC-32.

4. Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 1 oder 3, bestehend aus 7,4 Gewichtsprozent HFC-1234yf und 92,6 Gewichtsprozent HFC-32.

5. Zusammensetzung nach Anspruch 4, die bei -25 °C eine azeotrope Zusammensetzung ist.

6. Verfahren zum Erzeugen von Kühlung, wobei das Verfahren umfasst: Verdampfen der Zusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 in der Nähe eines zu kühlenden Körpers und danach Kondensieren der Zusammensetzung.

7. Verfahren zum Erzeugen von Erwärmung, wobei das Verfahren umfasst: Kondensieren der Zusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 in der Nähe eines zu erwärmenden Körpers und danach Verdampfen der Zusammensetzung.

8. Verfahren zum Ersetzen eines Kühlmittels mit hohem GWP in einer Kühl-, Klimaanlagen- oder Wärmepumpenvorrichtung, wobei das Kühlmittel mit hohem GWP ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus R134a, R22, R123, R11, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R12, R410A, R407C, R417A, R422A, R507A, R502 und R404A, wobei das Verfahren Bereitstellen der Zusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 an die Kühl-, Klimaanlagen- oder Wärmepumpenvorrichtung umfasst, die das Kühlmittel mit hohem GWP verwendet, verwendet hat oder darauf ausgelegt ist, es zu verwenden.

9. Kühl-, Klimaanlagen- oder Wärmepumpenvorrichtung, enthaltend die Zusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5.

Revendications

1. Composition constituée de 1 à 57 pour cent en poids de HFC-1234yf et 99 à 43 pour cent en poids de HFC-32.

2. Composition selon la revendication 1 qui est une composition quasi-azéotropique à -25 °C.

3. Composition selon la revendication 1, constituée de 7,4 à 57 pour cent en poids de HFC-1234yf et 92,6 à 43 pour cent en poids de HFC-32.

4. Composition selon la revendication 1 ou 3, constituée de 7,4 pour cent en poids de HFC-1234yf et 92,6 pour cent en poids de HFC-32.

5. Composition selon la revendication 4 qui est une composition azéotropique à -25 °C.

6. Procédé pour produire un refroidissement, le procédé comprenant : l'évaporation de la composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5 au voisinage d'un corps devant être refroidi et ensuite la condensation de la composition.

7. Procédé pour produire de la chaleur, ledit procédé comprenant : la condensation de la composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5 au voisinage d'un corps devant être chauffé et ensuite l'évaporation de ladite composition.

8. Procédé pour remplacer une substance réfrigérante à potentiel PRP élevé dans un appareil de réfrigération, de conditionnement d'air, ou de pompe à chaleur, dans lequel la substance réfrigérante à potentiel PRP élevé est choisie dans le groupe constitué par R134a, R22, R123, R11, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R12, R410A, R407C, R417A, R422A, R507A, R502, et R404A, le procédé comprenant la fourniture de la composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5 à l'appareil de réfrigération, de conditionnement d'air, ou de pompe à chaleur qui utilise, a utilisé ou est conçu pour utiliser la substance réfrigérante à potentiel PRP élevé.

9. Appareil de réfrigération, de conditionnement d'air, ou de pompe à chaleur contenant la composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5.